scholarly journals Mortality and Morbidity of Beef Calves in Free-Range Farms in Alentejo, Portugal—A Preliminary Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rute Santos ◽  
Ana Cachapa ◽  
Graça P. Carvalho ◽  
Carolina B. Silva ◽  
Laura Hernández ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Economic Impact ◽  
Respiratory Disease ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Herd Size ◽  
Mortality And Morbidity ◽  
Reproductive Management ◽  
Calf Diarrhea ◽  
Calf Mortality ◽  
Cattle Farms

Extensive cow-calf beef cattle farms play a significant role in Portuguese livestock production, but records of important production variables, such as calf mortality, are scarce. To assess herd-level calf mortality and its potential economic impact, farmers from the Alentejo region were asked to fill a questionnaire regarding herd size, feeding and reproductive management practices, calf mortality (from birth to weaning), and detection of the main morbidity causes, as well as of sudden, unexplained deaths during the previous 12 months. Farmers were also requested to quantitatively assess the economic impact of calf mortality on their annual revenue. In the majority of farms, the herd size was larger than 100 animals. The median stocking rate was 0.41 adult animals/hectare, and 70% of farmers stated their farm was self-sufficient in forage. The percent of live births that resulted in weaned calves averaged 94.3%, which led to the assumption of a 5.7% calf mortality rate from birth to weaning. In the previous 12 months, 78.8% of the farms identified at least one case of calf diarrhea, 60.7% identified at least one case of respiratory disease, and 82.1% had at least one sudden, unexplained calf death. As expected, farmers that assessed a higher impact of calf losses on their annual economic revenue were also those who reported higher incidences of calf diarrhea, respiratory disease, and sudden, unexplained deaths. One-quarter of the farmers were unable to assess the economic impact of calf mortality on the farm’s revenue. Herd size appears to have a predictive value on calf mortality in the first month of life, and from 30 days to weaning. The number of sudden, unexplained calf deaths seems to have a predictive value on overall calf mortality (from birth to weaning), suggesting that the farms’ management practices probably play an important role in calf mortality throughout the suckling period. Further studies are needed to fully understand calf mortality in Portuguese extensive rearing systems.

scholarly journals Associations between management practices and within-pen prevalence of calf diarrhea and respiratory disease on dairy farms using automated milk feeders

2018 ◽  
Vol 101 (3) ◽  
pp. 2293-2308 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catalina Medrano-Galarza ◽  
Stephen J. LeBlanc ◽  
Andria Jones-Bitton ◽  
Trevor J. DeVries ◽  
Jeffrey Rushen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Disease ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Dairy Farms ◽  
Calf Diarrhea

scholarly journals Dairy Calf Welfare and Factors Associated with Diarrhea and Respiratory Disease among Chilean Dairy Farms

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 1115
Author(s):  
Javiera Calderón-Amor ◽  
Carmen Gallo
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Disease ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Dairy Farms ◽  
Herd Size ◽  
Dairy Calves ◽  
Dairy Calf ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Waste Milk ◽  
Milk Feeding

This study aimed to describe management practices that may compromise the welfare of unweaned dairy calves on 29 dairy farms in Chile, and identify factors associated with diarrhea and respiratory disease (n = 700 calves). Evaluations were divided into protocol-, facility-, and animal-based measurements. Calf diarrhea and respiratory disease data were analyzed using logistic regression models. Management practices identified as risk factors for poor calf welfare were: relying on the mother to provide colostrum (48.0% of the farms); using restrictive milk feeding (65.5%), and unpasteurized waste milk (51.7%); giving water after 30 days of age (17.2%); disbudding without analgesia (89.6%) or anesthesia (79.3%); lacking euthanasia protocols (61.5%). Factors significantly (p < 0.05) associated with increased odds of diarrhea were: cleaning the calves’ bed once a week and 2–3 times a week compared with every day, using milk replacer and untreated waste milk compared with treated waste milk (pasteurized or acidified), animals scored dirty in the calf cleanliness score compared with clean animals, and greater herd size. Factors significantly associated with increased odds of respiratory disease were: less pen space allowance (<1.8 m2), farms that did not check colostrum quality, and animals that scored dirty and moderately dirty compared with clean calves. These results suggest the need to improve specific management practices associated with reduced welfare and health in dairy calves in Chile.

Neonatal Outcomes at Extreme Prematurity by Gestational Age Versus Birth Weight in a Contemporary Cohort

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth B. Ausbeck ◽  
Phillip Hunter Allman ◽  
Jeff M. Szychowski ◽  
Akila Subramaniam ◽  
Anup Katheria
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Umbilical Cord ◽  
Gestational Age ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Neonatal Death ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Neonatal Morbidity ◽  
Mortality And Morbidity ◽  
Severe Morbidity ◽  
Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective The aim of the study is to describe the rates of neonatal death and severe neonatal morbidity in a contemporary cohort, as well as to evaluate the predictive value of birth gestational age (GA) and birth weight, independently and combined, for neonatal mortality and morbidity in the same contemporary cohort. Study Design We performed a secondary analysis of an international, multicenter randomized controlled trial of delayed umbilical cord clamping versus umbilical cord milking in preterm infants born at 23 0/7 to 31 6/7 weeks of gestation. The current analysis was restricted to infants delivered <28 weeks. The primary outcomes of this analysis were neonatal death and a composite of severe neonatal morbidity. Incidence of outcomes was compared by weeks of GA, with planned subanalysis comparing small for gestational age (SGA) versus non-SGA neonates. Multivariable logistic regression was then used to model these outcomes based on birth GA, birth weight, or a combination of both as primary independent predictors to determine which had superior ability to predict outcomes. Results Of 474 neonates in the original trial, 180 (38%) were included in this analysis. Overall, death occurred in 27 (15%) and severe morbidity in 139 (77%) neonates. Rates of mortality and morbidity declined with increasing GA (mortality 54% at 23 vs. 9% at 27 weeks). SGA infants (n = 25) had significantly higher mortality compared with non-SGA infants across all GAs (p < 0.01). There was no difference in the predictive value for neonatal death or severe morbidity between the three prediction options (GA, birth weight, or GA and birth weight). Conclusion Death and severe neonatal morbidity declined with advancing GA, with higher rates of death in SGA infants. Birth GA and birth weight were both good predictors of outcomes; however, combining the two was not more predictive, even in SGA infants. Key Points

DIFFERENCES IN PERCEPTION OF CAUSES OF CAMEL CALF LOSSES BETWEEN PASTORALISTS AND SCIENTISTS

2003 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 363-378 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. A. KAUFMANN
Keyword(s):  
Causes Of Death ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Quantitative Information ◽  
Knowledge Systems ◽  
Complete Understanding ◽  
Underlying Causes ◽  
Calf Mortality ◽  
Management Changes ◽  
Calf Rearing

Management deficiencies on the part of the pastoralists were claimed to be one of the major causes of the high losses of camel (Camelus dromedarius) calves contributing to low productivity of camel herds. In the present study, calf deaths, and the causes thereof, were analysed in connection with pastoral calf management in order to assess possible relationships. Progeny history data on 1506 Rendille, 789 Gabra and 1206 Somali calves born between 1980 and 1995 provided quantitative information on losses and the underlying causes. Assessment of the causes of death, and analysis of related management practices, led to suggestions for management changes. In feedback seminars with pastoralists, however, it became apparent that these management changes would not be adopted because they contradicted the pastoralists' assumptions on the causes of calf mortality. The discussions revealed that differences between pastoralists' and scientists' perceptions determined different opinions on proper calf-rearing management practices. Combining different knowledge systems offers the possibility of a more complete understanding, which is required for the derivation of adoptable calf mortality-reducing interventions that are compatible with the knowledge and production systems of the pastoralists.

A survey on biosecurity and management practices in selected Belgian cattle farms

2014 ◽  
Vol 117 (1) ◽  
pp. 129-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven Sarrazin ◽  
Ann Brigitte Cay ◽  
Jozef Laureyns ◽  
Jeroen Dewulf
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Cattle Farms

Assisted Reproductive Technologies for Decision Support in Reproductive Management of Dairy Cattle in Ke

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-18
Author(s):  
Wilkister Nakami ◽  
◽  
Victor Tsuma ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Support ◽  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Human Population ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Breeding Method ◽  
Reproductive Management ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Livestock Products

The human population is expected to double in Africa by 2030 and with it a consequent rise in demand for livestock products. Reproductive technologies improve livestock productivity however, uptake of the technologies has been low in Africa, yet this is where there is a dire need for livestock products as the human population surges. This study aimed to assess knowledge extent and understanding the use of assisted reproductive technologies in decision support for reproductive management of dairy cattle in Kenya. Dairy farmers and veterinary practitioners were interviewed using a questionnaire to obtain relevant data on knowledge, attitude and practices in the use of assisted reproductive technologies in reproductive management in dairy farms. Observable heat signs was the only method used by participants to ascertain estrus in a cow. Artificial insemination technique was adopted by all farmers as the breeding method of choice. The analysis highlighted that the respondents with low levels of formal education had less knowledge on reproductive technologies and displayed risky practices. Overall, a larger proportion of respondents indicated that the assisted reproductive technologies would be important in reproductive management. The relatively low levels of awareness, higher levels of education and a willingness to use the assisted reproductive technologies in reproductive management of dairy cattle strengthen the logic of improving productivity through the application of these assisted reproductive technologies as well as improve levels of awareness of reproductive management practices. Keywords: attitude, heat detection, knowledge, pregnancy diagnosis, practices, progesterone

scholarly journals Regional management practices and prevalence of bovine respiratory disease in California's preweaned dairy calves

2019 ◽  
Vol 102 (8) ◽  
pp. 7583-7596 ◽  
Author(s):  
B.M. Karle ◽  
G.U. Maier ◽  
W.J. Love ◽  
S.A. Dubrovsky ◽  
D.R. Williams ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Disease ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Bovine Respiratory Disease ◽  
Dairy Calves ◽  
Regional Management

scholarly journals Adoption of Good Management Practices by the Gaushalas (Cow-shed) in Karnataka State, India

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Kalyan Mandi ◽  
S. Subash
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
In Situ Conservation ◽  
Herd Size ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
General Management ◽  
Good Management ◽  
Large N ◽  
Karnataka State

Gaushalas play a vital role in safeguarding the cattle wealth of our country. It is primarily occupied with providing shelter to cows and is catering mostly the needs of non-lactating, weak, unproductive and stray cattle. However, a few fore front Gaushalas also maintain nucleus herd for in-situ conservation of indigenous purebred cows and produce quality males so as to enhance productivity of indigenous breeds. With this view, present study was undertaken with the objective of understanding the level of adoption of good management practices by the Gaushalas. The study was conducted in Karnataka State involving 40 out of 80 registered Gaushalas, categorized as small (n=12), medium (n=18) and large (n=10) Gaushalas based on the herd size. Good management practices play an important role in improving the production performances of cattle, enhancing efficiency of animals in Gaushalas. In the present study ‘adoption’ was operationalised as the degree to which the good management practices viz., breeding, feeding, healthcare, general management and hygienic milk production, were adopted in the Gaushalas.

scholarly journals Effect of Parenteral Vaccination of Newborn Holstein Calves against Viral Agents Involved in Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD)

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Viviani Gomes ◽  
Diego Daniel Gonzalez ◽  
Karina Medici Madureira ◽  
Marina Valeria Mozgovoj ◽  
Camila Costa Baccili ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Inflammatory Response ◽  
Respiratory Disease ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Immune Defense ◽  
Maternal Antibodies ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Humoral Immune ◽  
Unvaccinated Control ◽  
Holstein Calves ◽  
Newborn Calves

Background: Newborn calves are born immunosuppressed, hypogammaglobulinemic, immunologically immature, and therefore more vulnerable to many infectious diseases. During pregnancy, the fetal-placental environment is regulated by Th2-type cytokines that neutralize Th1 responses, an important factor for immune defense against viral agents. The ingestion and absorption of colostral immunoglobulins enhance the immunity of the neonate. However, the presence of maternal antibodies might negatively affect the success of parental vaccination in the first two months of life. This study aimed to evaluate the effecacy of parenteral vaccination in newborn calves with high titers of maternal antibodies against respiratory viruses.Materials, Methods & Results: Twenty-eight Holstein calves were allocated to the vaccinated group (VAC, n = 18) or an unvaccinated control group (NVAC, n = 10). The initial vaccination with 5 mL of a commercial vaccine occurred around the 14th day of life (D14) and the booster at D35. Respiratory and diarrhea symptoms were evaluated at D12, D14, D16, D20, D31, D36, D45, D53, and D60. Blood samples were taken for leukogram, haptoglobin, and seroneutralization of BVDV, BoHV-1, BRSV, and BPI3V, at the time of vaccination at D14 (T1), at booster (D35, T2), and 21 days after the booster (D56, T3). Despite the increased prevalence of BRD during the period of the study, no calves from either group exhibited respiratory disease at D12 or D14. In subsequent assessments, the frequency of BRD increased over time in the VAC group until it reached a maximum prevalence of 38.9% (7/18) at D31. In the NVAC group, the maximum prevalence observed was 40% at D45 and D60. A comparison of the frequencies for BRD cases showed a statistical trend at D36 (P = 0.07), with a higher prevalence for the NVAC group (30%) in relation to the VAC group (5.6%). For the NVAC group, a greater number of total leukocytes was observed at T3 (P = 0.038) and granulocytes (trend) at T2 (P = 0.066). Time analysis demonstrated a decrease in haptoglobin concentration in both groups (NVAC, P = 0.005 and VAC, P = 0.006), with a reduction in the values at T1 and T3 (NVAC = 0.005 and VAC = 0.024). Antibody titers were similar between groups for BVDV, BoHV-1, and BRSV. Higher titers for BPI3V were observed for the VAC group at D56 (P = 0.045).Discussion: The early-onset BRD was present in both groups between 30 and 60 days of age, based on the higher prevalence observed. These data reinforce the importance of early immunization programmes before infection. Factors such as management practices and facilities may have also contributed to the higher prevalence of BRD. The increased number of leukocytes and neutrophils at T2 (D35) and T3 (D56) in the NVAC group points to a stronger inflammatory response to various types of potential challenges. The inflammatory leukocyte profile explains the higher haptoglobin values observed in the NVAC group at T2 (D35). The similarity of titers of antibodies against BVDV, BoHV-1, and BRSV between groups may indicate that vaccinating the calves at 14 days of age did not induce a humoral immune response to these viruses, likely due to interference from the maternal antibodies. Early vaccination prevented a drop in specific viral antibodies and promoted partial protection for vaccinated calves around 14 days of age, with a decrease in the intensity of the inflammatory response at the peak of the disease and a higher concentration of antibodies against BPI3V after the booster.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document